Before we knew Idris Elba as Stringer Bell on HBO’s legendary crime drama “The Wire” he had odd jobs, like working at a tire fitting company, cold call sales and even was a Dj by the name of Big Driis and played at nightclubs, however one “job description” that was not included in his bio is of weed seller, and during this period he met the avid supporter of cannabis, comedian and producer Dave Chapelle.
To become and actor there are many sacrifices
To be an actor requires a lot of dedication and sometimes that comes with its struggles since many jobs don’t pay enough when actors and actresses begin working.
In the last episode of The Jess Cagle Show, he mentions that “I went to a performing arts college and did two years of everything — scene painting, a little ballet, a little contemporary dance,” Elba who started acting in London. “I came out and basically went straight into work.”
He then focused on expanding his horizons and coming to the United States
“It just all fell flat on its face very quickly for about four years,” he adds. “In that time period, I did a lot of things that I’m not proud of. But I did a lot of the things.”
I used to sell weed. It wasn’t [legal] back then. I did that for a little bit just to pay the way
He then added the revelatory confession, “I used to sell weed. It wasn’t [legal] back then. I did that for a little bit just to pay the way.”
He used to work as a doorman for comedy clubs
When working as a doorman, he got to meet with many of the talents performing during his shifts, especially when working at comedy clubs “which is fascinating now. When I meet the comedians you kind of remember the cool English guy with the funny accent and the little hair.” He added.
He mentions that he did things that he’s not proud of but had to do them
Dave Chappelle remembers me ’cause he used to buy weed from me,” The Sonic the Hedgehog star comments. “Anyway, moving on. But yeah, I did all kinds of things, to be honest.”
After becoming a consummated actor, he wishes to cultivate his musical talent and steer away from the acting spotlight.
